Applications open
Community Housing Providers can apply now for grants to help upgrade the energy performance of homes.
The NSW and Commonwealth governments are working with the social housing sector to implement a $175 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) to upgrade approximately 24,000 social housing homes by June 2027 to improve liveability and save tenants money.
This new initiative will support a range of energy performance upgrades in homes that will help social housing tenants reduce their energy bills, and keep their homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. These energy efficiency upgrades could include solar systems, reverse-cycle air conditioners, heat pump hot water systems, LED lighting, ceiling fans, window shading, insulation and draught proofing.
Housing providers will choose the properties and type of upgrade. They will give priority to older, inefficient homes, and those in extremely hot or cold locations but ultimately it is their choice to select the best fit from their portfolio.
The majority of social housing in NSW was built more than 20 years ago, before the introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards. Inefficient homes can result in higher energy bills and reduced thermal comfort and wellbeing for tenants.
Launched in January 2024, SHEPI is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments with partners including the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Community Housing Providers and Community Housing Providers.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will lead this initiative for the state.
Read our frequently asked questions for social housing tenants and Community Housing Providers.
Please note: social housing residents cannot apply for this program. Housing providers will select eligible properties.